Character Study Of Jude – The Brother Of Jesus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JUDE – THE BROTHER OF JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jude 1:1

"Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, John 7:5, Acts 1:14, Jude 1

INTRODUCTION:

Jude, also called Judas, was one of the half-brothers of Jesus Christ. Initially, he did not believe in Jesus' divine identity (John 7:5), but after the resurrection, he became a strong believer and a key figure in the early church. He later wrote the Epistle of Jude, a short but powerful letter warning against false teachers and urging believers to contend for the faith.

Jude’s letter is one of the most direct and urgent writings in the New Testament. It emphasises the importance of guarding the faith against corruption and remaining steadfast in the truth. His transformation from unbelief to a committed servant of Christ demonstrates the power of divine revelation and grace.

1. JUDE WAS AN UNBELIEVER WHO LATER BECAME A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHRIST

a) He grew up with Jesus but did not believe in Him at first (John 7:5)

Despite witnessing Jesus’ life and ministry, Jude, like his other brothers, did not believe in Him before the resurrection.

b) He was among those who doubted Jesus' mission (Mark 6:3-4)

He and his siblings saw Jesus as just a carpenter’s son rather than the Messiah.

c) His transformation happened after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:14)

After Jesus rose from the dead, Jude and his brothers became part of the early Christian community.

d) He became a devoted follower of Christ (Jude 1:1)

In his letter, he humbly identified himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ" rather than boasting of being His brother.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also transitioned from being a persecutor of the faith to a devoted servant of Christ (Acts 9:1-20).

2. JUDE WARNED AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS AND APOSTASY

a) He urged believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3)

He encouraged Christians to stand firm and defend the truth against corruption.

b) He exposed the dangers of ungodly men creeping into the church (Jude 1:4)

He warned that certain people had infiltrated the church to distort the gospel.

c) He reminded believers of past judgments (Jude 1:5-7)

He used examples like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to show that God judges the wicked.

d) He described the characteristics of false teachers (Jude 1:8-16)

He called them rebellious, greedy, and self-seeking, comparing them to Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

e) Biblical Example: Peter also warned against false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1-3.

3. JUDE EMPHASISED SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PERSEVERANCE

a) He encouraged believers to build themselves up in faith (Jude 1:20)

He urged Christians to strengthen their spiritual lives through prayer and God’s Word.

b) He taught the importance of praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20)

He highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in sustaining believers.

c) He called for mercy and compassion toward doubters (Jude 1:22-23)

He advised believers to help those struggling in their faith.

d) He reassured believers of God's keeping power (Jude 1:24-25)

He reminded them that God is able to keep them from falling.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also encouraged believers to press on in spiritual growth (Philippians 3:12-14).

4. JUDE RECOGNISED GOD’S JUDGMENT AND MERCY

a) He warned that God's judgment is certain (Jude 1:5-7)

He reminded the church of historical examples where God judged the wicked.

b) He described the fate of rebellious angels (Jude 1:6)

He referenced fallen angels who were bound for their disobedience.

c) He acknowledged God's mercy for those who repent (Jude 1:21-23)

He urged believers to rescue those who were wavering in faith.

d) He declared God's ability to preserve the righteous (Jude 1:24)

He reassured believers that God can keep them from falling.

e) Biblical Example: Noah experienced both God's judgment on the wicked and mercy for the righteous (Genesis 6-9).

STRENGTHS OF JUDE

a) Transformation from unbelief to faith (Acts 1:14, Jude 1:1)

He went from doubting Jesus to being a devoted servant of Christ.

b) Boldness in defending the faith (Jude 1:3-4)

He was not afraid to confront falsehood and corruption in the church.

c) Strong warning against apostasy (Jude 1:5-7)

He clearly outlined the consequences of rebellion against God.

d) Encouragement to grow spiritually (Jude 1:20-21)

He taught believers to build themselves up in faith.

e) Dependence on God's keeping power (Jude 1:24-25)

He pointed people to God’s ability to preserve them in faith.

WEAKNESSES OF JUDE (IF ANY)

a) Initial doubt about Jesus (John 7:5)

Like his brothers, Jude did not believe in Jesus until after the resurrection.

b) Short but strong rebuke of false teachers (Jude 1:3-16)

His letter is harsh and direct, which might have seemed severe to some, though it was necessary.